Family bonding in today’s generation is almost non-existent. In this digital age, we are so busy in our lives that we forget about spending time with family.
Can you think about how much time you spend with your family daily? For most teenagers or working professionals, the answer would be only 1-2 hours. Even when we are at home, every member spends time in their room while being busy on their phones, and we barely spend any time with our family, isn’t it sad? This speaks volumes about how we are so indulged in connecting with other people that we forget to connect with people who matter most to us.
However, it is never too late to change. In today’s blog, we will talk about how you can strengthen your family’s bond, fun family bonding activities, and 5 importance of family bonding.
How You Can Strengthen Family Bonding?
One important thing to remember before you try to work on strengthening your family bonding is that you can’t force any member to spend time as it may make them irritable. Nonetheless, there are ways you can make it fun and include every member of the family.
1. Have Dinner Together
Even if everyone is busy with work, ensure you strictly spend time with your family during a particular time, for example, at dinner. Make it a habit to always have dinner together and sit at the dining table without distractions. During dinner time, you can encourage open communication and share things about how your day was.
You can also take an interest in other family members’ interests and ask them more about their interests, it will help lighten the conversation. For example – a family member may have an interest in photography, and you can ask her to do a photoshoot for you, it will make her feel like his family is taking an interest in his interests which will further make her feel heard. Remember that, family members may have different interests. Hence, you must be respectful of each other’s differences.
You can also utilise this time to share family stories and tell each other about childhood.
2. Family Outings
Ensure you plan a family outing at least once a month. Moreover, make sure to plan something everyone can enjoy. For example – going to the beach, an amusement park, a long drive, etc.
During family outings make it a rule that no one uses their phones. Additionally, take the initiative to interact with your family members. You can also play games during outings such as dum charades, pictionary, card games, etc.
3. Celebrate Milestones
One of my most cherished memories with my family is the one where we celebrated our milestones with each other. Doing so will help your family members feel appreciated and bring them a sense of pride.
Hence, you must make it a habit to celebrate each other’s milestones and appreciate each other. It helps strengthen bonds as well as helps you realise the support of your family.
4. Express Gratitude
Whenever you spend time with your family, take time and appreciate each other. For example – tell your mother that you are greatful for the food she makes, and thank your dad for the sacrifices he makes for your family, etc. This practice will help your family feel appreciated and will help strengthen your bond.
5. Plan Fun Family Bonding Activities
Another great way to strengthen family bonding is by planning fun activities. You can play games, make teams and have a healthy competition. While this will provide entertainment, playing as a team will also help you strengthen your bond and build trust in each other.
5 Fun Family Bonding Activities
1) Game Night
Game nights are entertaining. I used to have game nights every Friday with my family where we played different board games past midnight while we enjoyed our favorite snacks. It is a very simple yet entertaining way to spend time with your family.
This activity has personally helped me strengthen the relationship between my family, and over time we grew closer.
2) Family Trip
Take a family trip annually. During these, you can enjoy fun activities, explore new places, experience new cultures, try new cuisines, etc.
When you travel with your family, you get a break from your regular lifestyle and can explore new places. Moreover, travelling will help make memories that you will cherish forever!
Suggested read: Travelling Abroad: Everything You Need To Know
3) Karaoke Night
A karaoke night is a great stress buster. Sing your favourite songs, dedicate songs to each other, and much more. This activity will not only help reduce stress and anxiety but also build amazing memories!
4) Movie Night
A movie night is a simple yet fun way to spend quality time with your family. Select a genre that you all will enjoy watching, for example, comedy, horror, etc. Additionally, you can conduct a movie marathon and watch your favourite movies one after another!
5) Team Building Activity
One of the best ways to strengthen the bond between your family is to engage in an activity that requires you to work as a team. It could be as simple as solving a puzzle together or redecorating the house.
Working together towards a shared goal will increase trust, and coordination and will help you understand one another better.
Also read: Fun Family Activities to Try this Summer
5 Importance Of Family Bonding
- Builds Confidence
Research shows that children who have a strong bond with their families are more likely to be confident as they are secure. The reason is that they have strong support from their family due to which they are not afraid to try new things.
- Reduces Stress
It is no secret that when you spend time with people you love, it reduces stress. Family gives you a safe space and brings you comfort which allows you to destress and relax. Moreover, you can share your feelings, thoughts, and emotions with them and this will help lessen your worries.
- Strengthens Family Relationships
When you spend time with your family, and your bond is strong you naturally have a healthy relationship with them. Strong family bonds help with strengthening family relationships.
- Increases Emotional intelligence
A child who grows up with family support and guidance often has higher emotional intelligence compared to those who don’t have a good relationship with their families.
- Improves Decision Making
Children who have strong relationships with their family members are more likely to make the right decisions. It is because the parents give their children a safe space to convey the truth and the children trust that they can rely on their parents in case of emergency.